Detroit council narrowly approves lease for last seasons of NHL hockey at Joe Louis Arena

Detroit Red Wings' David Legwand (17) celebrates his team's first-period goal with a teammate during an NHL hockey game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Sunday, March 30, 2014, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

2014-03-31 12:47:00

DETROIT - The city council has approved a new lease with the Detroit Red Wings for the NHL team's final years at Joe Louis Arena.

The deal approved Monday, 5-4, includes $5.2 million from the team to settle a dispute over cable TV fees. The Red Wings will pay $1 million a year in rent, retroactive to 2010. The lease ends in 2015, although it could be extended.

The Red Wings hope to move into a new arena as early as 2016.

Council member Mary Sheffield voted against the agreement, saying the city deserved to get millions more in the cable TV dispute. Attorneys advising the city say Detroit didn't have a strong case. Joe Louis Arena is 35 years old.